It was always going to be a difficult game for the Development Team against the team that, not only leads the league by 11 points, but last time out put 6 goals past 2nd place Fulbourn Institute.

Linton, with the fierce cold wind at their backs, showed their intent from the kick off and kept City pinned in their own half for most of the first forty five minutes.

As early as the 7th minute they could have taken the lead but a fine acrobatic save from goalkeeper Brad Green saw the ball tipped over the bar for a corner, but 3 minutes later that first goal game when a cross from the left was headed home and 5 minutes later they made it 2 - 0 when Brad Green couldn't hold a low twenty yard shot that powered through the City defence.

City started to keep the ball low, minimizing the effect of the wind and as a result they were putting some useful moves together, but most of the play was still in the City half as Linton and the wind kept them on the back foot.

With 10 minutes of the half left, a misunderstanding in defence allowed Linton to get a third goal and 2 minutes later a clumsy tackle on the edge of the box saw Linton awarded a penalty.

Goalkeeper Brad Green did well to dive to his right and stop the shot, but the Linton attackers were off the mark quicker than the City defenders to put the ball in the net and take a 4 goal lead.

It was a frustrating first half for the City as Linton made it 5 - 0 just before half time.

Half time: City Development 0 Linton Granta 5.

With fresh legs from the bench City started the first half with pace and verve as they took the game to Linton.

Both side had chances. Brad Green did well to again tip what looked like a certain goal over the bar. At the other end, Tommy Rigby and Jude White created a good chance for Tom Goodjohn but his hard and low shot was just wide of the goal.

City were now starting to look threatening and for long periods they were dominant in midfield, causing problems for their visitors. But a goal wouldn't come.

It was somewhat against the run of play when, with less than 10 minutes to go, a Linton breakaway ended with a long range rocket into the city net for a 6th goal.

The weather deteriorated and the rain turned to sleet.

A consolation goal for City would have been the least they deserved for their 2nd half performance and it looked to be when Christian Carter put a sneaky ball through for Bobby Friel, but his shot went just wide of the post.